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property overview

The Langham was the birthplace of the afternoon-tea tradition.

When the Prince of Wales opened the Langham on Regent Street in 1865, it was London’s first grand hotel. Through its doors passed such literary greats as Mark Twain and Oscar Wilde. The hotel has preserved its distinguished reputation, aided by an GBP 80 million renovation in 2010 that included the addition of the new Regent Suite, with expansive views of Regent’s Park, and a GBP 2 million luxury health-and-wellness center, the Chuan Spa. Voted Top London Afternoon Tea in 2010 by the Tea Guild, the traditional meal served in the Palm Court, on the ground floor, consists of delicate finger sandwiches, miniature pastries and thirty blends of tea. The glamorous cocktail bar, Artesian, offers martinis made by award-winning mixologist Alex Kratena.
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We Recommend

Best Newcomer

Dabbous Restaurant & Bar

Modern cooking with clean flavors and seasonal ingredients—some of them quite unusual—has made Chef Ollie Dabbous’ eatery one of the most talked-about restaurants in the city. 39 Whitfield St., W1. (44-207) 323-1544; http://dabbous.co.uk.

Best Cultural Secret

Hampton Court Palace

Dozens of historic rooms used by royalty from the 16th-18th centuries and a lush garden with a famous maze make visiting this magnificent Tudor palace a memorable experience. Hampton Court, East Moseley, Surrey. (44-870) 752-7777; www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace.

Best Restaurant Classic

Le Gavroche

Opened in 1967, Le Gavroche in Mayfair was the first UK restaurant to be awarded one, two, and then three Michelin stars. The classic French cuisine and impeccable service are legendary. 43 Upper Brook St., W1. (44-207) 491-4387; www.le-gavroche.co.uk.

Best City Secret

London's Roman Amphitheatre

Almost 2,000 years ago, the Romans conquered Britannia (England) and set up a capital in Londinium (London), where they built a Roman amphitheatre that was discovered in 1988. Guildhall Yard, EC2. (44-207) 332-3700.

Best One-Stop Shop

Selfridge's

One of the largest department stores in Europe, Selfridge's stocks everything from upscale and exclusive brands to more affordable lines in a vast array of departments. 400 Oxford St., W1. (44-207) 629-1234; www.selfridges.com/london.

Best Shopping Neighborhood

The West End

Combine Regent, Oxford and Bond streets—the three major retail arteries in the West End—and you’ve got the best shopping in the world. www.westendlondon.com.

Best View

Tower Bridge

From the walkways of iconic Tower Bridge you’ll get spectacular views of the Tower, St. Paul’s and the mighty Thames; there’s also a fascinating exhibition in one of the towers. Tower Bridge Rd., SE1. (44-207) 403-3761; www.towerbridge.org.uk.

Best Restaurant for a Celebration

Veeraswamy

Established 74 years ago and said to be the oldest surviving Indian restaurant in the UK, Veeraswamy offers truly authentic and glamorous Indian dining with views of Regent Street. 99 Regent St., W1. (44-207) 734-1401; www.veeraswamy.com.

Top Architecture Find

Westminster Abbey

Almost every British sovereign (back to William the Conqueror) has been crowned in this grand, glorious Gothic edifice, with its flying buttresses and fan vaulting. Broad Sanctuary, SW1. (44-207) 222-7110; www.westminster-abbey.org.

Top Day Trip

Windsor Castle

Spend a day visiting the state rooms, chapel and the park of the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and an official residence of Her Majesty the Queen. Windsor, Berkshire. (44-207) 266-7304; www.royalcollection.org.uk.